REA records 13,286 subsidised electricity connections
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Top StoriesThe Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has registered 13,286 electricity connections in Southern Province under the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) subsidised programme. REA Director of Services Suzyo Silavwe says the programme aims…
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has registered 13,286 electricity connections in Southern Province under the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) subsidised programme.
REA Director of Services Suzyo Silavwe says the programme aims to make electricity more affordable for households and businesses, with eligible customers paying 300 kwacha instead of 4,846 kwacha for a standard single-phase connection.
Mr Silavwe said Southern Province had recorded the highest number of connections, with Sinazongwe district accounting for 750.
He was speaking during a visit to Sinazongwe district by a team of REA Board members and staff.
Meanwhile, Sinazongwe Acting District Commissioner Passmore Ntiindu has commended REA for implementing electrification projects worth about 8 million kwacha in the district to enhance electricity access and promote socio-economic development.
Mr Ntiindu said the projects were in line with government’s efforts to improve digital access in marginalised communities and provide learners with opportunities to acquire computer skills.
“We are happy that we are tapping this development of electricity to enhance socio-economic development and provide computer lessons for pupils,” he said.
REA Southern Province Regional Manager Wazingwa Mugala said one of the two projects had been completed, while the second was still underway.
The projects include the Matambo grid extension, which has connected Matambo Health Clinic, a school and the Chief’s palace, currently under construction through the Constituency Development Fund, to electricity.
Meanwhile, Sinazongwe district Director of Health Services Christabel Musonda has commended REA for connecting Matambo Health Clinic to the electricity grid, saying the development would improve healthcare delivery.
Dr Musonda said the facility serves 2,062 people who would benefit from improved health services following the electricity connection.
“We are very excited as a district to have this facility electrified; it is a facility servicing 2,062 people, and all these are going to benefit from quality healthcare services through the Rural Electrification Authority project,” she said.
Chief Mweemba’s representative, Victory Mwiinde, has also thanked REA for the Matambo grid extension, saying the connection of the chief’s palace, school and health facility would support improved service delivery and community development.
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